Srimad Bhagavatam — Chaturtha Skandha, Shloka 19
Dhruva’s War with the Yakṣas and the Protection of the Holy Name
भल्लै: सञ्छिद्यमानानां शिरोभिश्चारुकुण्डलै: । ऊरुभिर्हेमतालाभैर्दोर्भिर्वलयवल्गुभि: ॥ १८ ॥ हारकेयूरमुकुटैरुष्णीषैश्च महाधनै: । आस्तृतास्ता रणभुवो रेजुर्वीरमनोहरा: ॥ १९ ॥
bhallaiḥ sañchidyamānānāṁ śirobhiś cāru-kuṇḍalaiḥ ūrubhir hema-tālābhair dorbhir valaya-valgubhiḥ
Nagpatuloy ang dakilang pantas na si Maitreya: O Vidura, ang mga ulong naputol ng mga palasong bhalla ni Dhruva Mahārāja ay maganda pa ring may hikaw at putong. Ang kanilang mga hita’y gaya ng gintong punong palma, ang mga bisig ay may mga pulseras at armlet na ginto, at sa ulo’y may mamahaling korona at helmet na may gintong palamuti. Ang larangan ng digmaan na natabunan ng mga alahas na ito ay kaakit-akit at kayang lituhin maging ang isip ng isang bayani.
It appears that in those days soldiers used to go to the battlefield highly decorated with golden ornaments and with helmets and turbans, and when they were dead the booty was taken by the enemy party. Their falling dead in battle with their many golden ornamental dresses was certainly a lucrative opportunity for the heroes on the battlefield.
FAQs
This verse vividly describes the battlefield as covered with severed limbs and costly ornaments, emphasizing the intense kṣatriya conflict during Dhruva Mahārāja’s campaign against the Yakṣas.
The text notes that warriors, trained in heroic values, can perceive martial splendor even amid violence—highlighting the kṣatriya mindset and the grim allure of victory and valor.
The Bhagavatam’s realism warns against fascination with violence and pride; devotees can reflect on the temporary nature of worldly glory and seek steadiness, restraint, and devotion over vengeance.